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Therapeutic Potential of Lac (Lak-e-Maghsool) & Sufoof-e-Muhazzil in Obesity Management: A Comprehensive Review of Classical Unani Literature & Contemporary Scientific Evidence


Authors : Dr. Mohd Raheemuddin; Dr. Sana Ruhi; Dr. Mohammed Maqbool Hussain; Dr. Juveria Iffath; Dr. Fouzia Anjum; Dr. Khaleda Begum

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/4ecyvmyv

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DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun336

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Abstract : This review evaluates the efficacy of Lak-e-Maghsool in managing Saman-e-Mufrit (Obesity), a growing metabolic disorder characterized by excessive body fat accumulation and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Traditional Unani medicine describes obesity as a derangement of humoral balance and altered metabolic function, for which several natural drugs have been recommended for years. Among these, Lac has gained attention for its possible anti-obesity and lipid-lowering properties. Lak-e-Maghsool, commonly known as Lac, has been historically utilized in various traditional medicine systems for its wide-ranging therapeutic benefits, including its role in managing obesity. Hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying effects of Lac have also been discussed in relation to obesity management. In addition, the article evaluates available literature from classical Unani texts, modern pharmacological studies, and recent research publications to understand the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic relevance of Lac-based formulations in obese individuals. In conclusion, the existing literature indicates that Lac may have considerable potential for the management of obesity and related metabolic disturbances. However, further well-designed clinical trials and standardization studies are required to validate its efficacy, determine optimal dosage regimens, and establish its role in contemporary integrative healthcare practices.

Keywords : Saman-e-Mufrit; Obesity; Lak-e-Maghsool; Hypolipidemic; Anti-inflammatory; Shellac; Safoof-e-Muhazzil; Unani Medicine; Anti-Obesity.

References :

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  26. Lac (Laccifer lacca) an important but less investigated Unani drug: Overview; published at Pharmacophore, An International Research Journal; http://www.pharmacophorejournal.com/
  27. American Journal of Pharmtech Research; http://www.ajptr.com/ ; A Literature Review of Luk Maghsool(Lac), 2020
  28. Anti-obesity effects of seed lac and shellac in rats fed with a high-fat diet; https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7053287/pdf/RPS-15-57.pdf

This review evaluates the efficacy of Lak-e-Maghsool in managing Saman-e-Mufrit (Obesity), a growing metabolic disorder characterized by excessive body fat accumulation and an increased risk of chronic diseases. Traditional Unani medicine describes obesity as a derangement of humoral balance and altered metabolic function, for which several natural drugs have been recommended for years. Among these, Lac has gained attention for its possible anti-obesity and lipid-lowering properties. Lak-e-Maghsool, commonly known as Lac, has been historically utilized in various traditional medicine systems for its wide-ranging therapeutic benefits, including its role in managing obesity. Hypolipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and detoxifying effects of Lac have also been discussed in relation to obesity management. In addition, the article evaluates available literature from classical Unani texts, modern pharmacological studies, and recent research publications to understand the efficacy, safety, and therapeutic relevance of Lac-based formulations in obese individuals. In conclusion, the existing literature indicates that Lac may have considerable potential for the management of obesity and related metabolic disturbances. However, further well-designed clinical trials and standardization studies are required to validate its efficacy, determine optimal dosage regimens, and establish its role in contemporary integrative healthcare practices.

Keywords : Saman-e-Mufrit; Obesity; Lak-e-Maghsool; Hypolipidemic; Anti-inflammatory; Shellac; Safoof-e-Muhazzil; Unani Medicine; Anti-Obesity.

Paper Submission Last Date
30 - June - 2026

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